What is Fatigue and What Causes It?

If you are suffering from fatigue, there are several possible causes. These include Circadian fatigue, Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, lack of physical activity, and sleep disturbances. The prognosis for most of these causes is good, although the prognosis can change if you do not comply with treatment or suffer from a more serious condition. There are several preventative measures that you can take to prevent fatigue, including controlling stress and practicing relaxation techniques. You should also start slowly and check with your health care provider before beginning an exercise program. Developing a regular exercise regimen can help you avoid fatigue and its associated health risks.

Circadian fatigue

Circadian fatigue is a form of chronic tiredness that occurs during the night. It is the result of poor sleep and prolonged periods of wakefulness. Flight crews should ensure they get eight hours of sleep each night. Flight crews should also be mindful of jet lag and night flying, which disrupt the circadian rhythm.

Researchers have shown that the effect of circadian fatigue on brain activity has a significant effect on alertness. The results show that subjects are generally less alert after midnight and increase towards 5-7 am. There is a strong effect of time on brain activity, although individual differences may also have an impact. For example, subject seven was remarkably alert throughout the experimental period but only became mildly fatigued in the stressful position 3. Other subjects, such as subjects 5 and 10, resist fatigue throughout the night but begin to break abruptly by seven am.

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)

POTS is difficult to diagnose, but doctors have some ideas about treating it. Its symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, and racing heart rate. They may also include body pain, excessive sweating, and tremors.

POTS commonly causes fatigue and dizziness but can also cause dizziness or lightheadedness. Other common symptoms include brain fog and heart palpitations. Because most of these symptoms are subjective, it’s hard to know if you’re suffering from POTS.

Lack of physical activity

A lack of physical activity can affect a person’s health in several ways. It can reduce energy and decrease the overall quality of life. If you experience fatigue regularly, a visit to a healthcare provider will help you find the cause and provide treatment recommendations. Your doctor may also order some tests to rule out health conditions. Changing your lifestyle and incorporating more physical activity may help you combat fatigue.

Many people experience chronic fatigue. The root cause of this condition is a lack of physical activity. Researchers have found that physical activity increases energy and reduces feelings of fatigue. However, these studies have not proven a direct connection between physical activity and decreased fatigue.

Sleep disturbances

One of the primary causes of fatigue is poor sleep. Sleep disruptions, which affect the ability to sleep, may increase the risk of chronic health conditions. However, it is not entirely clear whether or not sleep disorders cause fatigue. Several studies have suggested that sleep disruptions are an independent cause of fatigue.

While sleep disturbances have been associated with fatigue in many studies, few studies have looked specifically at CD and fatigue. However, studies have found that at least 50% of patients with CD have increased feelings of fatigue. Typically, their daytime sleepiness scale scores are within the normal range.

Drugs

Most drugs for fatigue can help improve your energy levels, but some can cause unwanted side effects. Some of these include insomnia and drowsiness. It’s best to discuss potential side effects with your doctor before starting any drug. Then you can decide which medicine to take. If you experience severe side effects, let your doctor know. He may decrease your dose or switch to another medicine.

Some of the medications for fatigue are already available and may help you. However, some carry risks and may require you to visit your health care provider more often. Make sure to discuss any medication options with your healthcare provider, especially if you are taking multiple medications.

Sleep study

Before you schedule a sleep study, you should know what to expect. The test will involve sleeping for a long time. This means you’ll need to take long naps. You’ll also have to fill out some paperwork. You’ll probably need to show your health insurance card and pay a co-pay.

A typical sleep study will involve a medical staff recording your heart rate and breathing during the night. They will also put electrodes on your body to monitor activity. This will allow them to see what you’re doing asleep. You’ll also be asked to remove any colognes or makeup that might impede your movement while you sleep.